The Trump administration admitted to illegally deporting Britania Uriostegui Rios, a Mexican trans woman, to Mexico despite a court order barring her removal due to the likelihood of torture. After a felony assault conviction, Uriostegui Rios faced deportation proceedings, but the judge found she would be in danger in Mexico. The Justice Department acknowledged the “inadvertent” removal and offered her reentry, though her legal status remains in question as Homeland Security seeks to send her to another country. Uriostegui Rios’ attorneys are fighting to keep her out of ICE custody and highlight the administration’s disregard for court orders, particularly given her vulnerable status as a transgender woman facing potential persecution.
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The article reports on a speech given by Polish MP Grzegorz Braun outside Auschwitz, where he declared “Poland is for Poles, not Jews.” These remarks, made by the head of the far-right Confederation party, sparked outrage. Braun’s comments occurred amidst the Polish government’s plans to adopt a resolution against antisemitism. This is not the first time Braun has caused controversy, as he previously extinguished Hanukkah menorah candles in parliament.
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The Trump administration is justifying its boat strikes against drug cartels in the Caribbean as collective self-defense on behalf of US allies, specifically citing cartels’ alleged armed violence against allied security forces and their use of cocaine profits to fund it. This legal analysis, formalized in a classified Justice Department Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) opinion, allows the use of lethal force under the “law of armed conflict,” circumventing federal murder statutes. However, this rationale sharply contrasts with Trump’s public narrative, which focuses on stopping overdose deaths. Critics have voiced skepticism, as the claim that cartels are primarily using cocaine proceeds to wage war rather than for financial gain lacks public evidence and the OLC did not fully vet.
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Zarbab Ali, 28, was found guilty of first-degree murder for the stabbing death of his estranged wife, Rachel Castillo, in Simi Valley in November 2022. Ali confessed to the murder, revealing he buried Castillo’s body in a shallow grave and later exhumed it to rape her corpse. The confession, captured on video, included Ali’s self-identification as a “monster.” Scheduled for sentencing on January 12th, he faces life in prison for the horrific crime.
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Recent reports indicate that payments to Russian troops fighting in Ukraine have been suspended in Yakutia due to regional budget shortfalls, with the finance minister citing an inability to forecast demand. This follows a period of record military spending by Russia, which has offered substantial financial incentives to attract recruits. The suspension of payments could signal financial strain and liquidity problems within Russia’s war effort, as several other regions have already cut bonuses to recruits. Despite assurances from Yakutia officials that payments will be made, the ongoing economic impact of the war may lead to further financial difficulties.
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As part of the mayoral transition, Zohran Mamdani’s team has informed over 150 senior members of the current administration that their positions will be vacated by January 1st. These notifications, confirmed by Mamdani’s spokeswoman, were delivered to political appointees, including deputy mayors and commissioners, ensuring the incoming administration can implement its own agenda. This is standard practice during a mayoral transition, allowing the new team to build their City Hall plan and appoint their own staff in key roles. The list of those expected to depart encompasses a wide range of appointees who serve at the mayor’s discretion.
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On November 23, 2025, Austin Trahan and James Houchins were arrested for defacing the former Pulse Memorial crosswalk with chalk and writing the word “Resist” nearby. A Florida Highway Patrol trooper responded to the scene after the Department of Transportation reported the incident, finding video evidence of the vandalism. Despite denying the act, the suspects were apprehended at a nearby Dunkin Donuts, matching the descriptions from the video and were taken into custody after providing their names and birthdays.
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Recent reports from Chinese media suggest several domestic airlines have suspended flights to Japan amidst escalating political tensions between Beijing and Tokyo, with routes to popular destinations like Kyoto and Osaka impacted. According to financial news outlet Yicai, citing aviation data, approximately 41 flights across 12 routes have been cancelled, representing around 15% of the total routes. Independent aviation analysts anticipate further cancellations, potentially extending through March, particularly affecting flights to Osaka, a popular destination for younger travelers during the New Year holiday, due to safety concerns. The cancellations primarily involve flights operated by major state-owned carriers like Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines.
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According to a recent report, Steve Witkoff, a long-time associate of Donald Trump, provided strategic advice to Yuri Ushakov, a top foreign policy aide to Vladimir Putin, on how to approach Trump regarding a potential peace plan between Russia and Ukraine. During a phone call, Witkoff suggested Putin personally congratulate Trump on a recent ceasefire, positioning him as a “man of peace” to gain favor. Witkoff went on to suggest how the peace plan should be presented to Trump and even seemed to acknowledge that Ukraine would make numerous concessions to Russia. This advice, alongside a separate peace plan drafted by Putin’s advisers, has sparked controversy and criticism.
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A recent CBS News poll indicates that a significant majority of Americans, 65%, believe former President Trump’s policies are contributing to rising grocery costs. The poll data suggests a widespread perception that these policies are negatively impacting consumer spending at the supermarket. Further analysis is needed to determine the specific policies that are driving this perception among the American public.
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John Q. Hosedrinker